Although her current strength had reached its peak, the more powerful one became, the more one yearned for immortality.
The Empress was now deaf to all advice, her mind solely focused on reaching Mount Hua quickly to witness the so-called immortal elixirs and celestial realms.
"Very well, my loyal subjects, I have heard your thoughts. Each of you is devoted to me, and there is no distinction in status or rank."
"However, since I have already decided how to proceed, I ask that you refrain from further words. Do you not agree?"
Upon hearing this, everyone could only nod in agreement.
"Mother, if you were to go to the Wei Kingdom like this, what would become of the domestic affairs?"
Xin Yue stepped forward, speaking with concern.
Many matters within the country had only just stabilized. Li Mengdie's rebellion had been quelled, but she herself had not been apprehended. If she were to collude with others and cause further trouble, the consequences would be unimaginable.
The Empress glanced at Xin Yue, a hint of satisfaction appearing on her face.
"Xin Yue, regarding domestic affairs, I still have you all. Do you wish to oversee the state?"
A smile played on the Empress's lips as she looked at Chu Chen, who stood beside Xin Yue.
Xin Yue's mind went blank at her mother's words.
Her mother wanted her to oversee the state? This was a matter of grave importance; how could she possibly manage it?
If it were a time of peace, it might be manageable. But now, with so many complex issues arising one after another, she felt that if she were to take on the responsibility, she would surely be driven to madness by exhaustion.
"Mother, your humble servant believes that my handling of many affairs is not yet proficient and I fear I would fail to live up to your kind intentions."
Wang Zhe, the Minister of Justice, also stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, the Princess has indeed had little experience in handling state affairs. Placing such a heavy burden on her shoulders all at once might lead to unforeseen problems."
Xie An, the Minister of War, trembled slightly and added, "Indeed, Your Majesty. This matter is of great importance. Your humble servant believes that all the princesses currently in Shuangyue City should be involved."
The Empress frowned, then turned her gaze to Chu Chen.
"Chu Chen, you tell me, is Xin Yue suitable to oversee the state?"
Chu Chen raised his eyes and cupped his fists, replying, "Your Majesty, your humble servant believes that the Princess is indeed not suitable for handling such affairs. Her experience is too limited."
"If Your Majesty insists on going to Mount Hua, it would be best to wait for half a month. Before then, some affairs could be delegated to the Princess, thus avoiding chaos."
Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. With this, the court could remain stable.
The Empress, however, looked somewhat displeased.
"I had thought you would be different from them and say something that would please me. I didn't expect even you, Chu Chen, to be so timid."
Chu Chen bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant is merely speaking the truth. Yun Yue Kingdom is growing stronger day by day, and many matters will become increasingly complex. If not handled properly, it will surely lead to chaos and affect the nation."
The other ministers present also stepped forward to support Chu Chen.
Although many ministers often seemed to dislike Chu Chen, at this critical juncture, even the usually reticent ones spoke up.
If Princess Xin Yue were truly to oversee the state, would it not be this brat Chu Chen who would be dictating terms in court?
At that point, would he not be the sole decision-maker on matters of state?
As everyone knew, Princess Xin Yue was, in essence, merely a puppet of Chu Chen.
Princess Xin Yue's increasing importance in Yun Yue Kingdom was entirely due to the significant efforts of this young man, Chu Chen.
The Empress listened to the obstructive words of the ministers, her expression turning quite grim.
"This is absurd! I merely wish to seek immortal elixirs and celestial realms, not to die. Why are you all so anxious?"
"If anything happens, you can send me a message by carrier pigeon, or simply dispatch someone to Mount Hua to contact me. Is that not sufficient?"
Everyone present felt a sense of helplessness. While these methods seemed plausible, they were, in reality, rather inadequate.
Chu Chen exchanged a glance with Princess Xin Yue, seeing her pleading eyes. He finally stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, your humble servant still believes this is not appropriate."
He had no time to simulate now; he could only take things one step at a time.
He couldn't understand why the Empress was so obsessed with seeking immortality.
Had she somehow swapped souls with Chen Xinmei?
But Chen Xinmei's obsession with immortality was understandable, as Zhu Wushi had performed magic for her.
What was going on with the Empress? Had someone from another country done something similar to her?
Or was the Empress nearing the end of her lifespan, and this was her desperate gamble to seek longevity by going to Mount Hua?
The Empress looked at Chu Chen, her coldness evident in her eyes.
"Chu Chen, speak your mind. I originally intended for you to assist Xin Yue in governing the country together. I never expected you to obstruct me so vehemently. This is truly outrageous."
Chu Chen blinked in surprise, though he was not entirely taken aback.
If Princess Xin Yue were indeed to oversee the state, her most trusted confidant would undoubtedly be himself.
Chu Chen stated, "Your Majesty, regardless of anything else, your humble servant will say what needs to be said."
"This matter concerns the very survival of our Yun Yue Kingdom. The Xiongnu are eyeing us covetously, and we have had conflicts with the Chen Kingdom."
"The Yan and Zhao kingdoms on our borders are still experiencing constant friction. If we make any further mistakes, we may face an even more complicated situation."
"Your Majesty, your humble servant is not disagreeing with your trip to Mount Hua. I merely wish for you to be well-prepared and not to act too hastily."
Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, also stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, your humble servant shares the same sentiment as Prime Minister Chu. Haste makes waste. Many matters, if rushed, can be counterproductive."
Xie An, the Minister of War, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant believes you need not worry at all. Even if you entrust the country to Princess Xin Yue's care, there will still be Prime Minister Chu to assist her, along with all of us ministers."
"We will surely work together with one heart to help Princess Xin Yue manage the entire country, so that Your Majesty need not worry."
Xie An's words were exceptionally smooth. He flattered Chu Chen while also aligning with the Empress's intentions, demonstrating extreme tact.
Chu Chen continued, "Your Majesty, your humble servant disagrees with Minister Xie's statement."
"A nation cannot be without a ruler for a single day. While Your Majesty's proposed methods of communication are valid,"
"there is always a risk of the information channels being severed. Your humble servant believes caution is still necessary."
"Moreover, many matters are not as smooth as we imagine. We must proceed with caution."